About Me

My name is Ryan Hawkins, and I’m a saved sinner, husband, dad, and pastor.

I have written articles for Desiring God and have been mentioned on Challies' "A La Carte."

I enjoy writing to know and show more of Christ, and I pray God may use any of my writings as a ministry that others may grow in their love for Jesus and his gospel.

About Looking at Christ 

This site is a collection of posts on various Christian topics from the last few years. The title Looking at Christ comes from two main places:

First, I love a quote from 19th-century pastor Robert Murray McCheyne. He summed up much of the Christian life well when he advised,

"Learn much of the Lord Jesus. For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ. He is altogether lovely."

In my life, I have seen the joy and peace that comes from following this prescription. When I look at Christ more than at myself (my struggles, gifts, or circumstance), I notice wonderful fruit and change that I could not bring about by gazing elsewhere.

Second, in connection with this, as I continue to pastor, lead, and teach, I keep witnessing how much of the Christian life consists of looking at Christ. Our lives change as we behold him (2 Corinthians 3:18). In my teaching, I've seen how frequently this call to look at Christ is fitting, helpful, and best. We sometimes assume that to grow we must learn and then specifically apply and act. But I've noticed that I actually don't mainly work this way. Instead, most of my growth in godliness, humility, and joy—and most of the change I've seen in others—has come not by specific application or actions to perform, but by looking at Christ. So, that's why this blog exists: that through writing and reading, others and I may look at Christ, be changed, and glorify him.

Thanks for being here and reading. Feel free to contact me about anything. And click here to subscribe to a weekly email with new posts.

I pray you through this site you may look afresh at Christ.

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